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Richard Carpenter Obituary
Greenville - Dr. Richard Hemsley (Rick) Carpenter, Jr., 75, beloved husband of Linda Norris Carpenter, passed away at his home in Simpsonville Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
Born in Columbia, SC, he was a life-long resident of Greenville County and a son of the late Richard Hemsley, Sr. and Martha Sims Carpenter.
Rick was a 1963 graduate of Greenville Senior High School, a 1967 graduate of Presbyterian College, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, and a 1971 graduate of the MUSC School of Dental Medicine. He served as a Captain in the United States Army for 2 years before returning to the upstate.
During his 43 years of practice in Mauldin, he served as president of the Greenville County Dental Society and was active in the local, state and national dental associations. Dentistry was his true passion. Rick was excited about going to work each day. He was blessed by having a wonderful staff whom he loved and by having patients who became life-long friends.
He was a member of the Mauldin Rotary Club, served on the boards of several local non-profit organizations, volunteered at the Greenville Free Medical Clinic, United Ministries, and local food banks. In addition, he was a life-long supporter of local youth programs (scouts, sports, advocacy). A life-long member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rick served as elder, trustee, teacher, youth advisor, basketball coach and loyal servant.
His passions were being Poppy to his granddaughters and spending time with them. He also enjoyed camping, watching sunsets in the mountains from the front porch of his home at Caesar's Head, listening to music, watching college basketball, pursuing his interest in history, and participating in the OLLI program at Furman.
Rick was a friend and mentor to all he met, showering them all with his constant love, kindness and gentleness. He was the epitome of what a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and faithful servant should be. He was a true gentleman and, when asked what he wanted, he always replied "peace". He has now achieved that ultimate PEACE.
Surviving are his wife, Linda Norris Carpenter, of the home; two daughters, Catherine Carpenter Jansson (Allen) of Beaufort, SC, and Laura Carpenter Weiss (Michael) of Mauldin; granddaughters Molly and Zoey Weiss; a sister Martha Carpenter Shaleuly (Jerome) of Simpsonville; two brothers, Frederick Furman Carpenter (Marian) of Greenville and William Alfred Carpenter (Terri) of Asheville, NC; a sister-in-law, Susan Norris McDaniel, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to one of the following. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2310 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605; United Ministries, 606 Pendleton Street, Greenville, SC 29601; or Greenville Free Medical Clinic, 601 Arlington Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601. A celebration of Rick's life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Carpenter
Sponsored by The Greenville News.
john worrell
September 2, 2022
I will never forget the good times we had double and triple dating in Rick's old black Buick during our dental school years. I'm sorry, but decorum prevents me from repeating the name we called the old black car.
I miss you, Rick
John Worrell
Rogers Reeves
September 22, 2020
I first became good friends with Rick when I opened my dental practice in Simpsonville in 1974. He practiced nearby in Mauldin. We both had very high standards of care for our patients, so we just naturally became good friends. We had lunch together many, many times just to compare notes and discuss the sometimes difficulties of running a dental practice. There was no one who had higher standards of care than Rick. As evidence of this, he became my dentist when I needed care. He was a very close friend and a valuable colleague. Greenville County and especially Mauldin has lost a very special person
Lenore Ozzimo
September 9, 2020
Carpenter Family, As a patient I want you to know he was kind, caring, and sympathetic. I fell off my bike several years ago and had to have a year long dental treatment. It was a long and sometimes uncomfortable process. However, Dr Carpenter was very supportive and made it as comfortable as possible. His dental work was meticulous.
I am so sorry for your loss
john worrell
September 8, 2020
Rick was a dental classmate, a fifty-year friend, and a personality that I will always miss. I don't think I have ever met a kinder person.
So long Rick,
John
ShaeAnn Cavanagh
September 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We will always cherish the memories of Dr. Carpenter. Love you!! The Cavanaghs
Susan Willett
September 1, 2020
We used to work out together early mornings at the Y.
I'll miss his encouragement and support.
So sorry for your loss
Joe and Letha Gillon
September 1, 2020
Joe and I were sad to learn of Rick’s death. He was such a warm and caring man and we will miss him. May God comfort you in your loss.
William Bonner
September 1, 2020
Linda and family
I am so sorry for ur loss. Always will remember how kind U and Rick were to every one. My daughter Lil and ur daughter Catherine have stayed in contact over the years.
Hoping God will give and ur family the strength to get through this difficult period of ur life.
Bill and Christine Bonner
Jennifer Standridge
August 31, 2020
He was such an amazing man, an inspiration to all that met him. My love and prayers are with you.
Dr. Barry Hammond
August 30, 2020
Words cannot express how I felt about Rick and how much he meant to me personally. He was the greatest friend and colleague anyone could ever hope to have! He will be missed greatly but never forgotten! God bless the memory of Dr. Richard Carpenter.
Lindsay Ayliffe
August 30, 2020
I close my eyes and I see him laughing. It was the best smile and laugh. Warm. Welcoming. Affirming. You Just had to laugh when he did. What a great gift and presence he was for all of the 18 years I lived in Greenville, and for the rest of my life. My love and sympathy to all of you.
Marlene & Barry Smith
August 30, 2020
Laura, Michael & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers. He will always be in your heart and be thankful that you have so many wonderful pictures and memories. I know it's hard, I went threw it, we all go through it.
Lynn Wells
August 30, 2020
Dear Linda and girls I’m am so sorry about Dr Carpenter’s passing ,he will truly be missed
He was a great person and dentist I always looked up to him and I knew I could call him for sound advice. I will truly miss him
Barbie Dusky
August 30, 2020
So sorry for your family's loss. He was an amazing man who touched many lives and created two beautiful and amazing daughters. He will be greatly missed.
Richard Jackson
August 29, 2020
Sorry to see this, enjoyed seeing and talking to him at the GHS class reunions
Linda Perry
August 29, 2020
Rick was loved by all. Kind, gentle and caring.
Linda
Elizabeth (Beth) Reid Fowler
August 29, 2020
My sympathy to Dr carpenters family. I was a ‘63 graduate of Ricks and he was my dentist for many, many years. We lost a “good one” today. May our Lord put his arms around you and bring comfort & peace to all his family!
Pepper Miller
August 29, 2020
Rick was a long tall cool drink of water!
Everybody who knew him will miss him.
May God's grace and peace be with his family.
Pepper Miller
LARRY KOHN
August 29, 2020
Rick was a friend from way back. We attended the same church together and played church Basketball together from the sixth grade through the tenth grade. I have not seen Rick in a very long time but I knew he was still my friend.
My prayers and thoughts are with all his family. I pray that God will richly bless all of his family.
Larry Kohn
Mary Taylor Overstreet
August 29, 2020
My sympathy to all the family. I enjoyed knowing him at GHS, and reconnecting at reunions. He was a true gentleman.
Debbie
August 29, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Melissa Newkirk
August 29, 2020
Such a wonderful story about your dad, Laura. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead for you and your family, as your dad is already celebrating with the King.
Molly Honeycutt
August 29, 2020
Beautiful tribute. God bless you and your family. Sending my deepest condolences.
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